2026-07-25

As part of efforts to promote butterfly conservation and environmental stewardship among young learners, the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) organized a Butterfly Garden Cleaning Drive and Awareness Programme for 18 students of St. Joseph's School CHS, Kottayam, at the Butterfly Garden located within the Kottayam Civil Station. The programme included a cleaning drive aimed at encouraging students to appreciate the importance of maintaining natural habitats for butterflies and other beneficial organisms.

The Butterfly Garden, established by TIES in 2006 under the guidance of the then District Collector, is the first butterfly garden of its kind in the heart of a Kerala town and remains the only butterfly garden located within a district administrative headquarters in the state. Despite being situated in a busy urban environment, the garden supports nearly 40 butterfly species through the careful cultivation of host and nectar plants. Over the years, it has become a valuable outdoor learning centre for school and college students and continues to play an important role in creating awareness about butterfly conservation.

An interactive awareness session was conducted by Mr. Sarath Babu N. B., Nature Education Officer, TIES, for the participating Upper Primary and High School students, including members of the school's Junior Red Cross, Guides, and Teen Club. The session covered a wide range of topics, including the different butterfly species commonly found in the locality, their life cycle, the importance of host and nectar plants, and the ecological role of butterflies as pollinators and indicators of a healthy ecosystem. The discussions aimed to foster a deeper understanding of butterfly conservation and encourage students to become active ambassadors for biodiversity conservation.

Adding to the programme, Amritha Arif, a Class VIII student, delivered a short yet informative speech on conservation. She explained the different types of conservation, highlighted their significance in protecting biodiversity, and stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard nature for future generations.

The programme was attended by teachers Mary Lima and Jincy Joseph, along with Donna Sonnet and Alyna Jacob, B.Ed. trainees. The participants also included Mr. Gopi, Gardener of the Butterfly Garden at the Civil Station, and Ms. Nissa Abraham, Communication Officer at TIES.

The students participated with remarkable enthusiasm throughout the programme. Their active involvement, thoughtful interactions, and eagerness to learn made the event an engaging, informative, and memorable experience. Through initiatives such as these, TIES continues to inspire young minds to appreciate nature, understand the intricate relationship between butterflies and their habitats, and actively contribute towards conserving biodiversity.